BCCI’s Jay Shah Promises Women’s IPL From Next Season But Fans Are Not Convinced
Shah talked about the possibility of the women’s IPL, and stated that several existing franchises have shown interest in this project
Often criticised for their lackadaisical approach towards women’s cricket, and rightly so, the Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) seems to have finally woke up from its deep slumber. Jay Shah, BCCI secretary, has revealed that the planning for a full-fledged women’s IPL from the next season is on in full swing.
With IPL media rights raking up the mind-boggling amount, the room for dubious concerns about its financial sustainability is closed now. Moreover, several franchises have already indicated their desire to invest in the women’s league.
Despite being the richest cricket board, the BCCI cramps up a three-team tournament every season during the playoffs of the men’s tournament. In contrast, Australia and England conduct a full-fledged women’s league every year.
Women's IPL 2023 is taking shape ⁉️
— Women’s CricZone (@WomensCricZone) June 14, 2022
The format could be with five or six teams and BCCI promises it to be a grand affair.#WomensT20Challenge #IPLMediaRights #IPL pic.twitter.com/uCLMlNRBXY
In an interview with the PTI, Shah talked about the possibility of the women’s IPL, and stated that several existing franchises have shown interest in this project. In its opening edition, the tournament is likely to have five-six teams, and will be expanded gradually.
“This is a project which is very close to my heart. We will start with either five or six teams in the first edition. I am thrilled at the kind of response we have got from stakeholders. Multiple existing IPL teams have enquired and expressed serious interest in owning WIPL franchises,” Shah said.
The BCCI is also in discussion with cricketing boards to finalise a tournament window, where all big players can participate without worrying about international commitments.
Jay Shah promises 5-6 team Women's IPL from 2023.#IPL2023 #IPLMediaRights pic.twitter.com/ZDndyKEJlU
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 15, 2022
“Not to forget interest from outside. We are in discussions with other Boards about the possible window when all top cricketers will be available. I can promise that the valuation of the league, franchises and media rights will stun one and all,” Shah added.
The IPL media rights for the next five seasons were sold for Rs 48,390 crore, with Star India retaining the television rights, and Viacom18 bagged the digital rights in the Indian subcontinent. In terms of per match valuation, only NFL is ahead of the IPL, where each match will fetch over Rs 107 crores to the board.
Fans, however, are not entirely convinced with Shah’s statement about women’s IPL.
We get to see hlts & replays of men's matches even frm 80's,90's.And then, we still don't know where to watch the SL series of Women-in-blue,let alone hlts & replay of Women's games.
— Ritwika Dhar (@RituD307) June 13, 2022
Going gaga over the IPL rights to no streaming of domestic games.
What an odd world we live in.
First they should announce Women's IPL.
— Karthi (@iamKarthi7) June 14, 2022
The IPL rights are worth INR 48,390 crores. Exciting times, look forward to the BCCI fixing stadium experience, investing in the women's game, sharing the riches with the ecosystem of coaches and domestic players, and showing global statesmanship hahahaha just read my tweet LOL.
— Nitin Sundar (@knittins) June 14, 2022
Women's cricket team to BCCI for 2023 women's IPL: pic.twitter.com/TFehcAqYsr
— Nikhil Aggarwal (@nikhil__98) June 10, 2022